Reviews: Ballooning in the Namib Desert

"Superb organisation. We had to rise at 4am and were collected at 4.25am and taken to the site. As we were at Kalula lodge the trip was fairly short. Almost everyone else would have had a longer journey to get to the starting line.

From the word go there was a feeling that these people knew what they were doing and that's critical for a lot of people who are apprehensive about going up in a balloon. Watching the balloons inflate is fascinating and then climbing in and taking off. We had great views and my wife, who is not great with heights, had no problems whatsoever. The whole landing process was an education too. Then the speed at which the guys set up the breakfast tables, food and drink was astonishing as we were in the middle of the desert.

The breakfast was every bit as good as other reviews have stated. One of the other two couples we met at Kulala had a birthday and they gave her special treatment and a birthday cake, which was a nice touch. Then it was back to the starting point before heading back to the lodge.

That evening there were strong winds resulting from the heat and the flights the next morning had to be cancelled so we lucky. It also helps explain the high cost. They have to pay the staff and be set up to go but sometimes the weather prevents flights so there's no income. We'd definitely recommend the experience." Read more about this whole safari

"Unfortunately had to cancel due to sickness but didn’t relish the idea of leaving our lodge at 4am and driving back the way we had come - 25 miles on rough roads and obviously in the dark." Read more about this whole safari

"The sunrise balloon ride was really great and definitely worth the cost.

The ride was super calm and smooth (though we were warned that landing can sometimes be rough), and the views were amazing. Some of our favorite photos of our entire trip are from the balloon. Our guide, Milton, was excellent - informative, funny, and we felt completely safe under his ballooning skills. Being at sunrise in the winter and in the desert, this was indeed quite cold - dress warmly (hat, gloves, etc.), and expect a lot of waiting around before taking off, though it is really cool to see the balloons being filled with hot air from giant burners. The drive to/from the ballooning headquarters and take-off place can take a while. Fortunately coffee/tea and light snacks are provided and there is a large and clean restroom facility. After the ballooning there is a very nice al fresco breakfast in the desert.

We didn't learn until the end that part of the cost of the ballooning goes to supporting a local school and the resources the school provides for the community (sewing equipment, computers, etc.). This made the balloon ride even more worthwhile. The ballooning was one of the highlights of our tour to Namibia." Read more about this whole safari

"An unforgettable morning ballooning in the Namib Desert! So special. Very well organized. Very professionally run and all the Balloonists were knowledgeable and engaging. Delicious breakfast following our trip - set up in the middle of the desert. Thank you. So wonderful!! Highly recommend." Read more about this whole safari

"Wonderful competent company. Well informed, capable, careful.

Well managed beautiful experience, although the morning we went the staff chose to spend most of the time too low, much like being at the top of a dune which we had already done on foot, so overall some exhilarating moments but we missed the sustained unique experience that can only be found by floating high in a balloon.

I believe it was necessary to stay low in order to cathch the wind and cover the distance in a timely way to the landing spot. We've done balloon rides in other places that were more exciting." Read more about this whole safari

"Great staff and my pilot Evo was fun and knowledgeable.

We had a fun and delicious breakfast outdoors afterward." Read more about this whole safari

"Pilot was excellent, very experienced and enthusiastic, all round a great experience and well worth the money although expensive." Read more about this whole safari

"We did this excursion while staying at Hoodia Desert Lodge. We were picked up by the balloon company at 0545 and there was around half an hours drive from Hoodia to their offices, including a brief stop in the dark to see a family of jackals.

The experience was run by the specialist balloon company. It appeared a very professional set up. There were excellent toilet facilities, hot drinks and cookies freely available and an extensive gift shop. We got talking to one of the check-pilots and it turned out she had trained the balloon pilot we had used some years previously in the Serengeti.

After an amusing but thorough safety briefing, we were driven to the launch site. There were 4 balloons going up this day and part of the experience involved standing around while they were set up and inflated. This did seem to go on for a long time but eventually we took off. The individuals pilots were in constant radio communication with each other and with the pilot of a fixed wing aircraft in the vicinity also doing scenic flights.

The flight itself was wonderful. The rocks and dunes in the early morning light looked magical. Our pilot took us up very high at first and showed us the dark line on the horizon which was the Atlantic Ocean 70 km away. Then we went lower and looked at the dunes more closely and finally very low into a dry river bed while we looked for wildlife. We saw oryx and then a brown hyena broke cover and ran away from the balloon. He was in sight for some time and startled some springbok into running straight towards us, allowing some great pictures.

We had a 'sports' landing (the balloon bounced a couple of times) which was fine and once the balloon was packed up and all traces of it swept away by brooms, we were driven to the breakfast site at the foot of a very scenic dune. Breakfast was lovely, as much champagne as we wished and a good selection of breakfast items. The serving staff, which included the pilots, were attentive and more than happy to chat, answer questions or take photos if asked. We were driven back to the offices as soon as we asked and then very promptly back to Hoodia.

It would have been possible to have driven ourselves to the set offices and then set off for the next part of our trip from there. There was ample parking and the facilities were good, but it didn't really make much difference, only saving about 20 minutes in the end and it would have meant driving on the gravel road in the dark." Read more about this whole safari

"Fantastic experience from start to finish!

Professional, fun, extraordinary views, great pilots & staff, all finished off with a champagne breakfast.

Pricey, but worth it.

Can’t fault, 10 out of 10!" Read more about this whole safari

"Amazing experience!

The team are very nice, experienced and knowledgeable.

Transfers were smoothly organized.

Amenities are very clean and nicely decorated.

It was nice to see the preparation of the balloons, including inflating. Then the flight is so beautiful - seeing the dunes and the wildlife whilst sun is rising, all in a quiet surrounding - only noise is when the burners are on or when you speak. The balloon pilot regularly rotates the balloon so everyone can have 360° views. Finally, landing is an experience in itself :-)

And then, breakfast with amazing buffet and champagne in the desert is simply incredible.

To finish with, great to see that the company and the family are supporting the local community, through the creation and running of a local school, as well as sewing activities and plant farming." Read more about this whole safari